80th flying training wing history

History of the

80th Flying Training Wing Sheppard AFB, Texas

2

INTRODUCTION

This pamphlet provides a historical overview of the 80th Flying Training

Wing (FTW) and European-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), located at Sheppard Air Force

Base, Texas. The 80 FTW History Office dedicates this book to the men

and women who have passed through the ENJJPT program in their jour-

ney from pedestrians to pilots.

- 80th Flying Training Wing History Office

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents ................................................................................ 3

Preface ................................................................................................. 4

80th Flying Training Wing History ..................................................... 5

80th Flying Training Wing Chronology .............................................. 6

80th Flying Training Wing List of Commanders ................................. 8

80th Flying Training Wing Lineage & Honors .................................... 9

80th Operations Group Lineage & Honors ......................................... 11

80th Operations Support Squadron Lineage & Honors ...................... 12

88th Fighter Training Squadron Lineage & Honors ........................... 14

89th Flying Training Squadron Lineage & Honors ............................ 16



459th Flying Training Squadron Lineage & Honors .......................... 23

469th Flying Training Squadron Lineage & Honors .......................... 25

T-6 Fact Sheet .................................................................................... 28

T-38 Fact Sheet .................................................................................. 29

4

PREFACE

The 80th Flying Training Wing has always occupied a unique place within the history of

airpower. In World War II, the wing, then designated the 80th Fighter Group, revolution-

ized ground support tactics in obscure pockets of jungle in Burma. The group reactivated

in 1973 as the 80th Flying Training Wing to conduct much-needed pilot training for the

Federal Republic of Germany and other non-NATO allies, as well as US pilots. In 1981,

the wing’s mission to train German and US pilots grew into a larger NATO mission as

Sheppard AFB was selected to host the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. By

executing a multi-nationally manned and managed program, the wing has become a criti-

cal part of the NATO effort to contain and combat threats to freedom around the world.

Personnel and graduates of ENJJPT have supported every major US military operation

since the program’s beginning, include Operation DESERT SHIELD, Operation DE-

SERT STORM, Operation ALLIED FORCE, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Oper-

ation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation NEW DAWN, and Operation UNIFIED PROTEC-

TOR. As the ENJJPT program continues to prepare students for future air operations, we

look to our past to see the way ahead more clearly.

GREGORY S. KEETON, Colonel, USAF

Commander, 80th Flying Training Wing

5

History of the 80th Flying Training Wing

The War Department constituted the 80th Pursuit Group on 13 January 1942 and activat-

ed it on 9 February 1942 at Selfridge Field, Michigan. In May 1942, the unit was redes-

ignated the 80th Fighter Group (80 FG). The 80 FG initially flew the P-47 Thunderbolt

as it trained for combat. In May 1943, the 80 FG and its assigned squadrons, the 88th,

89th, and 90th Fighter Squadrons (FS) sailed for India, where the group served under

Tenth Air Force. The 459 FS, flying the P-38 Lightning, joined the 80 FG on 1 Septem-

ber 1943.

In September 1943, the 80 FG began combat operations in the China-Burma-India theater

of operations, with the 88 FS, 89 FS, and 90 FS now flying the P-40 Warhawk. The 80

FG supported Allied ground forces during the campaign for northern Burma flying tacti-

cal bombing and strafing sorties against Japanese targets. The group remained in combat

operations until the capture of Rangoon in May 1945. In October 1945, the 80 FG re-

turned to the US, and the War Department inactivated the group at Camp Kilmer, New

Jersey, the following month.

The US Air Force (USAF) activated the 80th Flying Training Wing (80 FTW) in January

1973 at Sheppard Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, with the lineage and honors of the 80 FG.

The 80 FTW and its three squadrons, the 88th, 89th, and 90th Flying Training Squadrons

(FTS), replaced the 3630 FTW and took over its mission as a pilot training unit. The 80

FTW provided Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) for the USAF and the West German

Air Force, as well as for partner nations such as Kenya and El Salvador under the USAF

Security Assistance Training Program.

Several years later, the 80 FTW took on a new mission. Officials of the North Atlantic

Treaty Organization (NATO), realizing the need for greater interoperability among NATO

pilots, made plans for a Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program. In 1978,

they selected the 80 FTW to host the program. The official ENJJPT opening ceremony

took place on 23 October 1981, though the first ENJJPT UPT class had already begun

training on 1 October 1981. In January 1994, the wing began teaching Introduction to

Fighter Fundamentals (IFF), an advanced pilot course that covers basic fighter maneu-

vers.

In January 1992, the 80th Operations Support Squadron (80 OSS) joined the 80 FTW. In

October 1998, the 97 FTS, a USAF Reserve Associate Unit, joined the ENJJPT program

to augment the 80 FTW with experienced instructor pilots. In 2007, the 88th Flying

Training Squadron was re-designated as the 88th Fighter Training Squadron, since it con-

ducted the wing’s IFF course. In April 2009, the wing activated two additional squad-

rons: the 459 FTS and 469 FTS.

6

10 Dec 1965 - 3630th Flying Training Wing

(FTW) activates at Sheppard AFB.

25 Aug 1966 - German AF Undergraduate

Pilot Training (UPT) program dedicated.

1 Jan 1973 - 80 FTW activates to replace

3630 FTW.

29 Sep 1978 - First Security Assistance

Training Program (SATP) student from Bo-

livia begins training at 80 FTW.

24 Apr 1975 - SATP class 75-07 graduates

with 22 Vietnamese AF students—the last

South Vietnamese students at 80 FTW.

10 Apr 1980 - SATP training is terminated.

Iranian students return to Iran.

1 Oct 1981 - ENJJPT program begins as

UPT Class 83-01, the first ENJJPT UPT

class, begins training.

20 Nov 1981 - First ENJJPT solo UPT sor-

tie. (2d Lt Larry Weisenberger, USAF)

23 Oct 1982 - ENJJPT UPT Class 83-01

graduates at Sheppard base theater.

21 Nov 1986 - T-38 static display dedica-

tion ceremony.

1 Apr 1998 - 97th Flying Training Squad-

ron (FTS), a USAF Reserve unit, activates

at 80 FTW.

2 Sep 1998 - Bldg 2322 dedicated as Mont-

gomery Hall in honor of Dr. James T. Mont-

gomery II, an ardent supporter of ENJJPT.

13 Jun 2003 - Sheppard AFB mark 100

years of powered flight.

3 Jan 2005 - New simulator building opens.

Nov 2005 - New 80 FTW Air Operations

Center opens.

30 Mar 2007 - 80 FTW celebrates 25th an-

niversary of ENJJPT.

10 Aug 2007 - Col Daniel R. Torweihe as-

signed as first 80 FTW Vice Commander.

31 Mar 2008 - Col David Petersen accepts

the keys to Sheppard’s first T-6A Texan II.

10 Apr 2009 - 469 FTS activates at 80

FTW. Lt Col Richard Griffin takes com-

mand.

17 Apr 2009 - 459 FTS activates at 80

FTW. Lt Col Scottie Zamzow takes com-

mand.

30-31 Jul 2009 - 80 FTW T-37 retirement

ceremony. 80th pilots fly last four T-37B

Tweets in USAF inventory to Davis-

Monthan AFB.

13 Oct 2009 - First Canadian student pilots

begin UPT at ENJJPT.

15 Mar 2010 - CMSgt Philip Jelks-

Browning assigned as the first 80 FTW

Command Chief.

5 Sep 2012 - New 80th Operations Group

facility, Bldg 2316, opens.

80th Flying Training Wing Chronology

7

80th Fighter Group Commanders Name Date Assigned

Unknown Feb-May 1942

Col John C. Crosthwaite 20 May 1942

Maj Albert L. Evans Jr. 1 Jul 1942

Col Ivan W. McElroy 14 Jul 1943

Col Albert L. Evans Jr. 13 Apr 1944

Col Sidney D. Grubbs Jr. 1 Feb 1945

Col Hiette S. Williams Jr. 29 Apr 1945

80th Flying Training Wing Commanders Name Date Assigned

Col Robert G. Liotta 1 Jan 1973

Col Kirk A. Brown 28 Jun 1973

Col Spence M. Armstrong 22 Jul 1974

Col Robert D. Caudry 17 Jul 1976

Col William R. Deans 1 Apr 1977

Col Jesse W. Campbell 5 Jul 1978

Col Larry W. Pritchett 15 Jul 1980

Col William F. Phillips 24 Feb 1982

Col Sandor Babos 13 Feb 1984

Col Robert K. McLeod 24 Feb 1986

Col Travis E. Harrell 22 Dec 1987

Col William B. Mitchell 20 Jul 1989

Col Robert E. Gatliff 19 Apr 1991

Col William J. Lake 28 Jul 1992

Col James G. Ferguson 10 Jan 1994

Col Kenneth M. Decuir 26 Feb 1996

Col Stanley Gorenc 6 Nov 1997

Col Kurt A. Cichowski 15 May 1999

Col Ralph J. Jodice II 17 Jul 2001

Col H. D. Polumbo Jr. 15 Aug 2003

Col Jeffrey B. Kendall 29 Jan 2005

Col David E. Petersen 7 Aug 2007

Col Kevin B. Schneider 1 Jul 2009

Col Dieter E. Bareihs 24 Jun 2011

Col Lance R. Bunch 28 Mar 2013

Col Gregory S. Keeton 13 Feb 2015

8

80th Flying Training Wing

Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Established as 80 Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on

13 Jan 1942. Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 80

FG (Single Engine) on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 3

Nov 1945. Established as 80 Flying Training Wing on 23

May 1972. Activated on 1 Jan 1973.

Assignments. III Interceptor (later III Fighter) Command,

9 Feb 1942; First Air Force, 20 Jun 1942; I Fighter Com-

mand, 4 Jul 1942; New York Air Defense Wing, 11 Aug

1942-10 May 1943; Tenth Air Force, 28 Jun 1943; Ameri-

can Air Command (later 5320 Air Defense Wing

[Provisional]), Sep 1943; Tenth Air Force, 20 Jun 1944; Army Air Forces, India-Burma

Theater, c. 1 Aug-9 Oct 1945; New York Port of Embarkation, 1-3 Nov 1945. Air Train-

ing Command, 1 Jan 1973; Nineteenth Air Force, 1 Jul 1993-.

Components. Groups. 80 Operations: 2 Jan 1998-. Squadrons. 80 Operations Support:

15 Jan 1993-2 Jan 1998. 88 Pursuit (later 88 Fighter; 88 Flying Training; 88 Fighter

Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 89 Pursuit (later 89 Fighter;

89 Flying Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 90 Pursuit (later

90 Fighter; 90 Flying Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 459

Fighter (later 459 Flying Training): 1 Sep 1943-13 Mar 1944.

Stations. Selfridge Field, MI, 9 Feb 1942; Bridgeport, CT, 25 Jun 1942; Farmingdale,

NY, 5 Jul 1942; Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Mar-30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 28 Jun 1943;

Kanjikoah, India, Sep 1943; Nagaghuli, India, 11 Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma,

29 Aug 1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 20 Jan 1945; Moran, India, 4 May 1945; Dudhkundi,

India, 24 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Jan

1973-.

Aircraft. P-47, 1942-1943, 1944-1945; P-40, 1943-1944; P-38, 1943-1944. T-37B,

1973-; T-38A, 1973-2006; AT-38B, 1993-2006; T-38C, 2006-; T-6A, 2008-.

Operations. Trained for combat and served as part of the defense force for the north-

eastern United States, 1942-1943. Sailed for India, via Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, and

Ceylon, in May 1943. Began combat operations in Sep 1943. Supported allied ground

forces during the battle for northern Burma and the push southward to Rangoon, bomb-

ing and strafing troop concentrations, supply dumps, lines of communication, and artil-

lery positions. Defended the Indian terminus of the Hump route by striking Japanese air-

fields and patrolling Allied airfields to safeguard them from attack. Received a

9

80th Flying Training Wing

Lineage and Honors (cont.)

Operations (cont.). Distinguished Unit Citation for inter-

cepting a formation of enemy aircraft and preventing its

attack on a large oil refinery in Assam, India, on 27 Mar

1944. Withdrawn from combat in May 1945. Since

Jan 1973, provided UPT, initially for USAF and German

Air Force, and later Vietnamese Air Force students. Alt-

hough Vietnamese Air Force pilot training ceased in Sep

1974, students from other nations continued to train under

the security assistance program through Apr 1980. Provid-

ed USAF rotary-wing pilots' conversion training to fixed-

wing aircraft, Jun 1977-Nov 1981. Conducted UPT and

PIT under the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program, beginning Oct

1981, with participating nations contributing staff and financial support. In Jan 1994,

began training pilots in Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals.

Service Streamers. World War II: American Theater.

Campaign Streamers. World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: India, 27 Mar 1944. Air Force Outstanding

Unit Awards: 10-20 Apr 1979; 30 Apr 1981 - 29 Apr 1983; 1 Jul 1999 - 30 Jun 2001; 1

Jul 2010 - 30 Jun 2012.

Emblem. Approved for group on 14 Oct 1942 and for the wing on 2 Jan 1973.

Motto. ―Angels on our Wings‖ approved 80 FG in 42 and 80 FTW on Jan 73.

Description. Per bend Azure and Sable a bend raguly Or, all within a diminished bor-

dure of the like.

Significance. The ragged partition lines convey the feeling of force as suggested by the

lightning flash and tri-colored shield incorporating the Air Force colors (ultramarine

blue and golden yellow), together with the suggestion that unit operates both during the

day and night. The flash represents the destructive power of the unit.

10

80th Operations Group

Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted as 80 Operations Group on 3 Dec

1997. Activated on 2 Jan 1998.

Assignments. 80 Flying Training Wing, 2 Jan 1998-.

Components. Squadrons: 80 Operations Support: 2 Jan

1998-. 88 Flying Training (later 88 Fighter Training): 2

Jan 1998-. 89 Flying Training, 2 Jan 1998-. 90 Flying

Training: 2 Jan 1998-. 459 Flying Training: 17 Apr 2009-.

469 Flying Training: 10 Apr 2009-.

Stations. Sheppard AFB, TX, 2 Jan 1998-.

Commanders. Col Ulrich Schröder (GAF), 2 Jan 1998; Col Johannes Hassenwert

(GAF), 30 Mar 2000; Col Heinrich F. Schneider (GAF), 13 Nov 2003; Col Axel Pohl-

mann (GAF), 20 Jun 2006; Col Eberhard von Wintzingerode-Knorr (GAF), 25 Jun

2010; Col Paolo Baldasso, 28 Jun 2013.

Aircraft. T-37B, 1998-2009; T-38A, 1998-2006; AT-38B, 1998-2006; T-38C, 2006-; T

-6A 2008-.

Decorations. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.

Operations. A multinational flying organization chartered to produce fighter pilots for

the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance. Responsibilities include oper-

ational support, flying training, air traffic control, and evaluation of 200 student pilots

and 80 instructor pilot candidates per year as well as Introduction to Fighter Fundamen-

tals for more than 145 trainees per year.

11

80th Operations Support Squadron

Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted 80 Airdrome Squadron on 17 Feb

1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Inactivated on 14 Nov

1945. Disbanded on 8 Oct 1948. Reconstituted and redes-

ignated 80 Operations Support Squadron on 1 Jan 1993.

Activated on 15 Jan 1993.

Assignments. 80 Flying Training Wing, 15 Jan 1993-1

Jan 1998; 80 Operations Group, 2 Jan 1998-

Stations. Hunter Army Airfield, GA, 1 Mar-27 Aug 1943;

Port Moresby, New Guinea, 14 Oct 1943; Oro Bay, New

Guinea, 6 May 1944; Noemfoor Island, New Guinea, 10 Sep 1944; Mangaldan, Luzon,

16 Jan 1945; Laoag, Luzon, 26 Apr 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, 7 Jun-23 Oct 1945;

Camp Anza, CA, 13-14 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 15 Jan 1993-.

Commanders. Lt Col Michael P. Erdle, 15 Jan 1993; Lt Col Joseph A. Smutko, 11 Sep

1996; Lt Col Victor L. Hnatiuk, 11 Mar 1999; Lt Col Jeffrey Moragne, 15 Mar 2001; Lt

Col J.D. Frisby-Griffin, 3 Jan 2003; Lt Col David A. Reth, 22 Nov 2004; Lt Col Joseph

A. Less, 20 Mar 2006; Lt Col Michael G. Messer, 28 Mar 2008; Lt Col Barry Cook, 26

Mar 2010; Lt Col Scott D. Moon, 19 May 2011; Lt Col Anthony Mulhare, 12 Jul 2013;

Lt Col Terralus J. Lowe, 23 Jan 2015.

Operations. In 1943, the 80th Airdrome Squadron (AS) activated in Savannah, Geor-

gia. This unit traveled with flying squadrons in order to support their operations; in the

interim period, before ground forces could reach the airplanes. Once ground forces ar-

rived, the airdrome squadron would then be transferred to support another flying squad-

ron. These airdrome squadrons were used extensively during the island hopping cam-

paigns of World War II. In 1943, the 80 AS boarded a boat and transferred to the West

Coast, in order to serve in the Pacific Theater. The unit distinguished itself with service

in both New Guinea and the Philippines. The old airdrome squadron served proudly un-

til its inactivation in 1945. The 80 AS would be reborn again, as the largest unit in a one

-of-a-kind wing, serving the United States and 12 other NATO countries. Upon activa-

tion the 80 OSS consisted of the Air Traffic Control Flight, the Airfield Support Flight

(Weather and Base Operations), and the Personnel Flight. The Weather Section was pre-

viously part of the Operations Division. Air Traffic Control was part of the 88 FTS, and

the Wing Administration and Personnel Sections were part of the Headquarters

12

80th Operations Support Squadron


Operations (cont.). Squadron. In 1994, the squadron in-

creased in size by adding four new sections: the Current

Operations Flight (Bookstore, Flight Records, Airspace

Management, Computer flights, Resources, and Life Sup-

port), Quality Assurance Flight, Scheduling Flight, and the

Student Operations Flight. What used to be a small head-

quarters squadron is now by far the largest organization

within the 80 FTW. The 80 OSS now comprises five eve-

ry student pilot in the wing, and over 225 permanent party

personnel.

Campaign Streamers. World War II: New Guinea, 1943-1944; Luzon, 1944-1945.

Decorations. Citations: Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (WWII). Air Force Out-

standing Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.

Emblem. Approved on 14 Mar 1994.

Description. On a Brittany Azure disc the Ultramarine Azure and Argent NATO star is

positioned at the nombril point where it’s four points extend to the chief, base, dexter,

and sinister positions. Two Or aircraft issuant the field behind the estoille from sinister

base to dexter chief followed by two Gules contrails. The disc is bordered with Sable.

An Argent scroll is attached below the disk. The scroll is also bordered with Sable.

Significance. Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are used in the design. Blue rep-

resents the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow signifies the sun and

the excellence required of Air Force personnel. White represents the perfections which

all 80 OSS personnel strive to attain. The red contrails represent the strength of patriot-

ism which propels the 80 OSS to greater heights. Brittany blue represents the loyalty to

the wing and devotion to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) mission.

The NATO star symbolizes the squadron’s responsibilities to the 13 countries participat-

ing in the ENJJPT program. The two aircraft in formation symbolize the basic for-

mation mutual support concept, representing the squadron’s support of the flying mis-

sion.

13

88th Fighter Training Squadron

Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted 88 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on

13 Jan 1942. Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated as 88

Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 88 Fighter Squadron

(Single Engine) on 1 Jul 1942; 88 Fighter Squadron, Sin-

gle Engine, on 28 Feb 1944. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945.

Redesignated as 88 Flying Training Squadron on 25 May

1972. Activated on 1 Jan 1973. Redesignated 88 Fighter

Training Squadron on 18 Oct 2007.

Assignments. 80th Pursuit (later 80 Fighter) Group, 9

Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945. 80 Flying Training Wing, 1 Jan

1973-1 Jan 1998; 80 Operations Group, 1 Jan 1998-.

Stations. Selfridge Field, MI, 9 Feb 1942; Bridgeport, CT, 25 Jun 1942; Farmingdale,

NY, 2 Sep 1942; Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Mar-30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 28 Jun 1943;

Mokelbari, India, c. Oct 1943; Shingbwiyang, Burma, 3 May 1944 (detachment operat-

ed from Myitkyina, Burma, May–20 Aug 1944); Myitkyina, Burma, c. 23 Jan 1945;

Moran, India, 3 May 1945; Dudhkundi, India, 29 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-

3 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Jan 1973-.

Commanders. Unkn, 9 Feb 42-unkn; 1Lt Theodore S. Thurson, 1942; Maj Richard A.

Ames, c. 1 Jul 1942; Capt George B. Hamilton, 12 Dec 1942; Capt John E. Fouts, Jr., 1

Aug 1943; Maj Earl J. Livesay, 22 Sep 1943; Maj George B. Hamilton, c. 11 Dec 1943;

Maj Robert J. Becker, 17 Apr 1944; Capt Owen R. Allred, 9 Sep 1944; Lt Col Robert J.

Becker, 30 Sep 1944; Maj Jack W. Ford, 16 Apr 1945; Maj Claude R. Kimbrel, 18 Jun-3

Nov 1945. Lt Col David D. Brandt, Jr., 1 Jan 1973; Lt Col Mylus G. Anderson, 30 Apr

1973; Lt Col Herman K. McDonald, 27 May 1975; Lt Col James E. Rousey, 1 Apr 1977;

Lt Col Theodore M. Duigon, 7 May 1979; Lt Col Jeffrey T. Ellis, 1 Jul 1980; Lt Col

Dennis A. Smith, 8 Jun 1981; Lt Col William J. Hamm, 27 Jun 1983; Lt Col Mogens P.

Kristensen, 10 Jan 1985; Lt Col William J. Frey, 22 Apr 1988; Lt Col Douglas M.

Smith, 9 Feb 1990; Lt Col James P. Skalko, 18 Dec 1991; Lt Col Michael W. Palmer, 8

Apr 1993; Lt Col David Atzhorn, 16 May 1994; Lt Col Bernd Heiber (GAF), 14 Jul

1995; Lt Col Michael W. Ford, 21 May 1998; Lt Col James J. Evanko, 6 Oct 1999; Lt

Col Eric Bogaards (RNLAF), 8 Jan 2001; Lt Col Kevin C. Smith, 13 Jun 2003; Lt Col

Richard I. McCool, 18 Mar 2005; Lt Col Rick A. Davis, 16 Nov 2006; Lt Col Christian

Rode (GAF), 18 Jan 2008; Lt Col James Robinson, 4 Jun 2009; Lt Col Dag Simastuen

14

88th Fighter Training Squadron


Commanders (cont.). (RNoAF), 10 Jun 2011; Lt Col

Tyler D. Nelson, 31 May 2013; Lt Col Richard Blagg, 2

Mar 2015.

Aircraft. P-47, 1942-1945; P-40, 1943-1944; P-47, 1944-

1945. T-37B, 1973-1993; T-38A, 1981-2006; AT-38B,

1993-2006; T-38C, 2006-.

Operations. Combat in China-Burma-India theater, 1 Oct

1943-28 Apr 1945. Undergraduate pilot training for USAF

and students from selected nations, 1973-1981; Euro-

NATO joint pilot training, Oct 1981-.


Campaign Streamers. World War II: India-Burma, Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Assam, India, 27 Mar 1944. Air Force Out-

standing Unit Awards: 1 Mar 1975-1 Mar 1977; 10-20 Apr 1979; 1 Jul 1980-28 Feb

1982; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.

Emblem. Approved on 18 Jan 1943.

Blazon. Azure, a quatrefoil Argent fimbriated Sable surmounted by a cross of lightning

flashes Gules charged at the center with a plate, all within a bordure Sable charged with

thirty-six billets radiating in circumference. Attached below the disc a white scroll

edged with a narrow Black border and inscribed "88th FIGHTER TRAINING SQUAD-

RON" in black letters.

Significance. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations for the

squadron. The quatrefoil represents clouds. The lightning bolts suggest a propeller sig-

nifying the trainers the squadron uses and also reflecting the need to train aviators in all

weather conditions. The border resembles a turbo wheel of a turbo supercharger.

15

89th Flying Training Squadron

Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted 89 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor)

on 13 Jan 1942; activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated as

89 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 89 Fighter Squad-

ron (Single Engine) on 1 Jul 1942; 89 Fighter Squadron,

Single Engine, on 28 Feb 1944. Inactivated on 3 Nov

1945. Redesignated 89 Flying Training Squadron on 25

May 1972. Activated on 1 Jan 1973.

Assignments. 80 Pursuit (later 80 Fighter) Group, 9 Feb

1942-3 Nov 1945. 80 FTW, 1 Jan 1973-1 Jan 98; 80 Oper-

ations Group, 2 Jan 98-.

Stations. Selfridge Field, MI, 9 Feb 1942; Farmingdale, NY, 23 Jun 1942; Mitchel

Field, NY, 9 Dec 1942–30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 29 Jun 1943; Gushkara, India, c. 16

Aug 1943; Nagaghuli, India, c. 15 Oct 1943 (detachment operated from Sadiya, India,

Oct 1943; Mokelbaria, India, May 1944; Dergaon, India, Aug 1944); Myitkyina, Burma,

c. 15 Sep 1944; Moran, India, 8 May 1945; Dudhkundi, India, 30 May–6 Oct 1945;

Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1–3 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Jan 1973-.

Commanders. None, 9 Feb-16 Mar 1942; 2d Lt George C. Vanderbeke, 17 Mar 1942;

Maj Gilbert L. Meyers, 1 Jul 1942; Maj Hubert A. Zemke, c. 30 Aug 1942; Capt Verl D.

Luehring, 14 Sep 1942; Maj John Szenningsen, 2 Aug 1943; Maj William S. Harrell, 20

Jan 1944; Maj Garrett S. Williams, Nov 1944, Maj Allan P. Rankin, c. 6 Feb 1945; Maj

Leonard W. Anderson, 20 Jun 1945; unkn, 5 Oct-3 Nov 1945. Lt Col Billy M. Mobley, 1

Jan 1973; Lt Col Richard E. Hearne, 21 Oct 1974; Lt Col Donald W. Ramsey, 21 Jul

1975; Lt Col Larry L. Wagner, 1 Apr 1977; Lt Col Louis A. Silvestri, Jr., 16 Apr 1979;

Lt Col Gary J. Toy, 24 Mar 1981; Lt Col Wagn Langebek (RDAF), 19 Mar 1982; Lt Col

Gerhard Rudeck (GAF), 4 Mar 1985; Lt Col Victor J. Tambone, 8 Apr 1988; Lt Col

Horace A. Wallace, Jr., 13 Jul 1989; Lt Col Jackie L. Foster, 14 Jan 1991; Lt Col Klaus

H. Spura (GAF), 7 May 1993; Lt Col Francesco Tricomi (ITAF), 10 May 1996; Lt Col

Harvey D. Johnson, 14 Aug 1998; Lt Col Yusuf Enginol (TUAF), 16 Jun 2000; Lt Col

Bernard Schwartze (GAF), 23 May 2002; Lt Col Jeffrey Snell, 26 Sep 2003; Lt Col

John F. McDevitt, 1 Apr 2005; Lt Col Vittorio Cencini (ITAF), 11 Dec 2006; Lt Col Pat-

rick A. Testerman, 1 Dec 2008; Lt Col Maurizio Ortenzi (ITAF), 3 Dec 2010; Lt Col An-

drea Themely, 7 Dec 2012; Lt Col Neal Newell III, 13 Jun 2014.

16



Aircraft. P-47, 1942-1945; P-40, 1943-1944; P-47 1944-

1945. T-37B, 1973-2009; T-6A, 2008-.

Operations. Combat in China-Burma-India theater, 8

Sep 1943–28 Apr 1945. Undergraduate Pilot Training for

USAF and students from selected nations, 1973-1981; Eu-

ro-NATO joint pilot training, Oct 1981-.

Service Streamers. World War II: American Theater

Campaign Streamers. World War II: India-Burma; Cen-

tral Burma.


standing Unit Awards: 10-20 Apr 1979; 1 Jan 1980-31 Dec 1981; 1 Jan 1982-30 Apr

1983; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.

Emblem. Approved on 5 Jun 1944.

Description. Gules on the Ace of Spades point to base Sable fimbriated Argent, flames

Proper surmounted by a cloud of the third fimbriated Azure debruised of a skull white

garnished Black issuing lightning bolts of Or and Gules to base chevron-wise from its

eye sockets; all within a diminished bordure Black. Attached below the disk a White

scroll edged with a narrow Black border and inscribed ―89th FLYING TRAINING SQ‖

in Black letters.

Significance. Blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the pri-

mary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence re-

quired of Air Force personnel. The spade symbol reflects the squadron’s mission to

train the Air Force ―Aces.‖ The skull surrounded in flames and issuing lightning flashes

represents the latest weapons systems necessary for a strong defense. The clouds sug-

gest the primary theater of operations for which the unit provides training.

17


Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted 90 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on

13 Jan 1942. Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated as 90

Fighter Squadron on 15 May l942; 90 Fighter Squadron

(Single Engine) on 1 Jul 1942; 90 Fighter Squadron, Single

Engine, on 28 Feb 1944. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Redes-

ignated 90 Flying Training Squadron on 25 May 1972. Acti-

vated on 1 Jan 1973.

Assignments. 80 Pursuit (later 80 Fighter) Group, 9 Feb

1942–3 Nov 1945; 80 FTW, 1 Jan 1973-1 Jan 98; 80 OG, 2

Jan 1998-.

Stations. Selfridge Field, MI, 9 Feb 1942; Newark, NJ, 24 Jun 1942; La Guardia Air-

port, NY, 27 Aug 1942; Mitchell Field, NY, 27 Feb-30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 28 Jun

1943; Jorhat, India, c. 12 Sep 1943; Moran, India, Mar 1944; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma,

27 Aug 1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 21 Jan 1945; Moran, India, 5 May 1945; Dudhkundi,

India, 30 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Jan

1973-.

Commanders. Lt M.C. Feeters, 9 Feb 42; Maj David D. Terry, c. 24 Jun 1942; Capt

Walter Coss, 16 Dec 1942; Capt Richard M. Powell, 11 Jan 1943; Maj John E. Jones, 4

Aug 1943; Lt col Richard M. Powell, 21 Jan 1944; Maj Thomas G. Bowie, 8 Apr 1945;

Capt Ralph E. Ward, 23 Aug 1945-unkn. Lt Col George C. Hull, 1 Jan 1973; Lt Col

Timothy L. Thomas, 20 May 1974; Lt Col Larry L. Dillingham, 11 Nov 1974; Lt Col

George F. Baird, 21 Jun 1976; Lt Col Johnny C. Fender, 1 Apr 1977; Lt Col Eric S.

Doten, 31 Mar 1978; Lt Col Ellwood P. Hinman III, 14 May 1979; Lt Col Theodore M.

Duigon, 29 May 1980; Lt Col Phillip V. Maywald, 17 Apr 1981; Lt Col Mitchell D.

Hopkins, 23 Jun 1981; Maj William R. Bean, Jr., 1 Dec 1981; Lt Col Henri R. Buffart

(RNLAF), 1 Mar 1982; Lt Col David R. Love, 22 Mar 1985; Lt Col Daniel T. Fucci, 14

Nov 1986; Lt Col Gerhard Ballhausen (GAF), 10 Mar 1988; Lt Col Giuseppe Borgna

(ITAF), 12 Apr 1991; Lt Col Luigi Telesca (ITAF), 12 Apr 1993; Lt Col Michael W.

Steinfurth, 19 Jul 1996; Lt Col Patrick R. Demoritier (BAF), 16 Jul 1999; Lt Col James

D. Reed, 16 Jul 2001; Lt Col John Kreger, 21 Jun 2001; Lt Col Salvatore Romeo

(ITAF), 30 Jun 2004; Lt Col Harry Oostema (RNLAF), 3 Nov 2006; Lt Col Oliver

Habel (GAF), 10 Apr 2009; Lt Col John E. Moran, 7 Oct 2011; Lt Col Ralf Schneider

(GAF), 3 May 2013; Lt Col Alessandro Asaro, 27 Feb 2015.

18



Aircraft. P-47, 1942-1945; P-40, 1943-1944. T-38A, 1973-

2006; T-38C, 2006-.

Operations. Combat in China-Burma-India theater, 16 Sep

1943-29 Apr 1945. Undergraduate pilot training for USAF

and students from selected nations, 1973-1981; Euro-NATO

joint pilot training, Oct 1981-.


Campaign Streamers. World War II: India-Burma; Central

Burma.


standing Unit Awards: 1 Nov 1975-30 Oct 1977; 10-20 Apr 1979; 1 Jul 1980-28 Feb

1982; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.

Emblem. Approved on 19 Jan 1945.

Description. On a yellow disc edged black, a caricatured, black and white bear, standing

on hind legs, facing toward dexter, wearing red brown boxing gloves on the forepaws,

and swinging a left uppercut punch, leaving a comet trail of red, white, and blue flecked

with four, white, five-point stars.

Significance. The Bear represents the mental and physical strength, and the strength of

character demanded of every pilot instructor of the squadron. The uppercut symbolizes

the aggressiveness with which each instructor pilot attacks his duties. The four stars

represent the four disciplines each instructor pilot must master, and in turn, convey to

the student pilots: knowledge, skill, motivation, and dedication.

19


Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted 97 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 13

Jan 1942. Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated as 97 Pursuit

Squadron (I) (Twin Engine) on 22 Apr 1942; 97 Fighter Squad-

ron (Twin Engine) on 15 May 1942; 97 Fighter Squadron, Two

Engine, on 28 Feb 1944. Inactivated on 9 Sep 1945. Activated

on 12 Apr 1947. Redesignated 97 Fighter Squadron, Single En-

gine, on 15 Aug 1947. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949. Redesignated

97 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 13 Nov 1950. Activated on

1 Dec 1950. Inactivated on 8 Jan 1958. Redesignated 97 Flying

Training Squadron on 22 Jun 1972. Activated on 1 Feb 1973.

Inactivated on 1 Apr 1993. Activated in the Reserve on 1 Apr

1998.

Assignments. 82 Pursuit (later 82 Fighter) Group, 9 Feb 1942-9 Sep 1945. 82 Fighter Group,

12 Apr 1947-2 Oct 1949. Eastern Air Defense Force, 1 Dec 1950 (attached to 56 Fighter-

Interceptor Wing, 1 Dec 1950-20 May 1951; 142 Fighter-Interceptor Wing, 20 May 1951-6

Feb 1952); 4706 Defense (later 4706 Air Defense) Wing, 6 Feb 1952; 82 Fighter Group, 18

Aug 1955-8 Jan 1958. 82 Flying Training Wing, 1 Feb 1973; 82 Operations Group, 15 Dec

1991-1 Apr 1993. 340 Flying Training Group, 1 Apr 1998-.

Stations. Harding Field, LA, 9 Feb 1942; Muroc, CA, 17 Apr 1942; Long Beach, CA, 22 May

-16 Sep 1942; Eglington, N. Ireland, 5 Oct 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 24 Dec 1942; Telergma,

Algeria, 1 Jan 1943; Berteaux, Algeria, 28 Mar 1943; Souk-el-Arba, Algeria, 13 Jun 1943;

Grombalia, Tunisia, 4 Aug 1943 (operated from Gerbini, Sicily, 6-18 Sep 1943); San Pacrazio,

Italy, 3 Oct 1943; Lecce, Italy, 10 Oct 1943; Vicenzo Airfield, Italy, 11 Jan 1944; Lesina, Italy,

c. 30 Aug-9 Sep 1945. Grenier Field, NH, 12 Apr 1947-2 Oct 1949; Wright-Patterson AFB,

OH, 1 Dec 1950; New Castle Cty Airport, DE, 18 Aug 1955-8 Jan 1958; Williams AB, AZ, 1

Feb 1973-1 Apr 1993; Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Apr 1998-.

Commanders. Unk, 9 Feb-16 Apr 1942; Maj Ernest C. Young, 17 Apr 1942; Maj William W.

Wittliff, 13 Jan 1943; Capt Richard G. McAuliffe, c. 28 Mar 1943; Maj William W. Wittliff, c.

28 Apr 1943; Maj William B. Peterson, 2 May 1943; Maj William W. Wittliff, 16 Jul 1943;

Maj Harry L. Smith Jr., 26 Aug 1943; Maj Charles R. Spencer, 19 Jan 1944; Capt John S. Li-

tchfield, 30 Jan 1944; Maj Claude E. Ford, 1 Apr 1944; Lt Col Paul J. Greene, 12 Aug 1944;

Lt Col Thomas C. Kelly, Oct 1944; Lt Col Joseph L. Dickman, Apr 1945; Maj Robert C.

Booth, 23 Jun 1945; unkn, 30 Aug-9 Sep 1945. None (not manned), 12 Apr-13 Jun 1947; Maj

Julius D. Shivers, 14 Jun 1947; Maj Donald V. Miller, 10 Mar 1949. None (not manned), 1-5

Dec 1950; Lt Col Frank Q. O'Conner, 6 Dec 1950; Lt Col Walter E. Modesitt, 29 Jan 1952;

Maj Stevens H. Turner, c. Aug 1952; Lt Col George V. Lane, c. Jul 1954; Maj Ernest P. Stuy-

vesant, c. 18 Aug 1955; Lt Col Willis J. Gary, 3 Jul 1956; none (not manned), 8 Oct 1957-8

Jan 1958. Lt Col William P. Smith, 1 Feb 1973; Lt Col Richard L. Russell, 25 Nov 1974; Lt

20



Commanders (cont.). Col John R. Hullender, 14 Jun 1976;

Lt Col Joseph L. Higgins, 9 Jun 1978; Lt Col Howard T. Han-

son, 4 Jan 1980; Lt Col Lonny R. Alexander, 20 Oct 1980; Lt

Col James T. Thomes, 14 Dec 1981; Lt Col John R. Rade-

macher, 30 Jun 1982; Lt Col Gary A. Swigart, 23 Jun 1983; Lt

Col Percy D. Leonard Jr., 15 Jun 1984; Lt Col Johnny Eng-

leman, 18 Nov 1985; Lt Col David S. Taylor, 16 Sep 1986; Lt

Col Russell L. Allen, 12 Nov 1987; Lt Col Dennis L. Austin,

31 Oct 1989; Lt Col Douglas W. Knutsen, 17 Jun 1991; Lt Col

Terrence P. Long, 2 Dec 1992-1 Apr 1993. Unkn, 1 Apr-Jun

1998; Lt Col William T. Cahoon, 16 Jun 1998; Lt Col Wolf-

gang C. Asmus, c. Feb 2000; Lt Col Douglas H. Standifer, 18

Feb 2005; Lt Col Bo McGowan, 23 Mar 2007; Lt Col Scott Thomas, 19 Sep 2008; Lt Col Mi-

chael Stolt, 15 Oct 2010; Lt Col Christopher L. Manning, 25 Jan 2013.

Aircraft. P-38, 1942-1945. P-51, 1947-1949. F-86, 1951-1955; F-94, 1955-1957. T-38A, 1973

-1993. T-37B, 1998-2009; AT-38, 1998-2006; T-38C, 2006-; T-6A, 2007-.

Operations. Combat in European and Mediterranean theaters of operations, 25 Dec 1942-3

May 1945. Fighter escort and air defense, 1947-1949. Air defense, 1951-1957. Trained USAF

pilots, 1973-1993. ENJJPT 1998-.

Campaign Streamers. World War II: Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia;

Rome-Arno; Normandy; N. France; S. France; N. Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po

Valley; Air Combat, EAME Theater.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 25 Aug 1943; Italy, 2 Sep 1943; Ploesti, Ro-

mania, 10 Jun 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1978-30 Apr 1979; 1 May 1983

-30 Apr 1985; 1 Jun 1988-31 May 1990; 1 Apr 1991-31 Mar 1993; 10 Oct 1999-30 Sep 2001;

10 Oct 2001-30 Sep 2003; 10 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2005.

Emblem. Approved on 30 Oct 1942.

Significance. The 97 FTS emblem is the stylized face of a Devil Cat, trimmed in red and

black with white tusks and green eyes on a blue background. The Devil Cat, neither cat nor

wolf, has roamed the steppes of Asiatic Russia for generations. Its awesome appearance is but

mildly indicative of the beast’s true ferocity, of its almost diabolical wiliness and daring. In all

of central and northern Asia, no animal real or legendary excites a greater respect or fear

among that hardened and barbaric peoples of this vast hinterland. The Devil Cat portrays the

endurance, courage, resourcefulness and ferocity which the 97 FTS emulates.

21


Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted as 459 Fighter Squadron (Two En-

gine) on 2 Aug 1943. Activated on 1 Sep 1943. Inactivat-

ed on 5 Nov 1945. Redesignated as 459 Flying Training

Squadron on 25 Feb 2009. Activated on 17 Apr 2009.

Assignments. 80 Fighter Group, 1 Sep 1943; 33 Fighter

Group, 12 May-5 Nov 1945. 80 Operations Group, 17

Apr 2009-.

Stations. Karachi, India, 1 Sep 43; Kurmitola, India, 5

Nov 1943; Chittagong, India, 4 Mar 44; Rumkhapalong,

India, 1 Feb 45; Dudhkundi, India, 11 May-8 Oct 1945;

Camp Kilmer, NJ, 3-5 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 17 Apr 2009-.

Commanders. Unkn, 1 Sep 1943; Capt John E. Fouts Jr., c. 1 Nov 1943; Maj Verl D.

Luehring, by 22 Mar 1944; Maj Hampton E. Boggs, by 1 Mar 1945; Capt John W. Sog-

nier, 11 Jun 1945; Maj William M. Shelton, 26 Jun 1945-unkn. Lt Col Scottie Zamzow,

17 Apr 2009; Lt Col Alan Nolan, 6 May 2011; Lt Col Markus Meidenbauer (GAF), 26

Apr 2013.

Aircraft. P-38, 1943-1945. T-6A, 2009-.

Operations. Combat in China-Burma-India theater, 14 Nov 1943-c. 6 May 1945. Cred-

ited with 66 aerial victory credits, 1 Dec 1943-13 Jan 1945. Awarded a Distinguished

Unit Citation for destroying 119 enemy aircraft between 11 Mar-19 May 1944. Received

a second Distinguished Unit Citation for defending an allied oil refinery at Assam, India

on 27 Mar 1944. Euro-NATO joint pilot training, Apr 2009-.

Service Streamers. None.

Campaign Streamers. World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: India-Burma, 11 Mar-8 May 1944; Assam,

India, 27 Mar 1944. AETC Top Operations Squadron 2010.

22



Emblem. Approved on 13 Apr 2009.

Description. On a disc Sable, a lightning bolt per fess

Gules fimbriated Or charged overall with a double headed

dragon lindworm Vert, horned and scaled of the third,

langued of the second, eyed Argent and Azure, all within a

narrow Green border. Below the disc, a White scroll

edged with a narrow Green border and inscribed ―459TH

FLYING TRAINING SQ‖ in Green letters.

Significance. Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are

the Air Force colors. Blue represents the sky, the primary

theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers the sun and the excellence required of Air

Force personnel. The ―Twin Dragons‖ allude to the Squadron’s primary mission of

training combat pilots for US and NATO Air Forces. The menacing dragons represent

the warriors that the 459th Flying Training Squadron trains to defend the nation--

warriors who, like the dragon, fight from the air. The lightning bolt signifies the Squad-

ron’s history as a Lockheed P-38 Lightning equipped combat unit.

23


Lineage and Honors

Lineage. Constituted as 469 Bombardment Squadron

(Heavy) on 9 Jul 1942. Activated on 15 Jul 1942. Inacti-

vated on 1 Apr 1944. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the

469 Tactical Fighter Squadron which was constituted as

469 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 10 Oct 1952. Acti-

vated on 1 Dec 1952. Inactivated on 8 Jan 1958. Redesig-

nated as 469 Tactical Fighter Squadron, and activated on

13 Apr 1962. Organized on 8 Jul 1962. Inactivated on 31

Oct 1972. Consolidated squadron redesignated as 469

Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 19 Sep 1985. Re-

designated as 469 Flying Training Squadron on 25 Feb

2009. Activated on 10 Apr 2009.

Assignments. 333 Bombardment Group, 15 Jul 1942-1 Apr 1944. 35 Air Division, 1

Dec 1952; 516 Air Defense Group, 16 Feb 1953; 355 Fighter Group, 18 Aug 1955-8 Jan

1958. Tactical Air Command, 13 Apr 1962; 355 Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Jul 1962; 6234

Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Nov 1965; 388 Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Apr 1966-31 Oct 1972.

80 Operations Group, 10 Apr 2009

Stations. Salt Lake City, UT, 15 Jul 1942; Topeka, KS, c. 21 Aug 1942; Dalhart AAFld,

TX, 22 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944. McGhee-Tyson Aprt, TN, 1 Dec 1952-8 Jan 1958. George

AFB, CA, 8 Jul 1962; Korat RTAFB, Thailand, 8 Nov 1965-31 Oct 1972. Sheppard

AFB, TX, 10 Apr 2009-.

Commanders. Capt Charles E. Dewey, 23 Aug 1942; Capt Claire E. Ryan, 8 Sep 1942;

Capt Charles E. Dewey, 6 Oct 1942; Lt J.L. Smith Jr., c. Feb 1943; Maj Paul E. Cool, 26

Mar 1943; Maj Wilbur C. Allen Jr., 30 Jul-17 Nov 1943; unkn, 18 Nov 1943-1 Apr

1944. Lt Col John L. Elder Jr., 1 Dec 1952; Lt Col Walter E. Modesitt, 1954; Maj Ed-

ward C. Heckman, unkn; Lt Col Grant R. Smith, 1956; Lt Col Joseph L. Zeller, 1956-

unkn; Lt Col Robert L. Rankin, unkn; unmanned, 8 Jul 1962-30 Jun 1963; unkn, 1 Jul-

21 Oct 1963; Lt Col Aaron J. Bowman, 22 Oct 1963; Maj Robert M. Krone, by 31 May

1966; Lt Col Gordon A. Larson, by 31 Mar 1967; Lt Col Harry W. Schurr, 25 May 1967;

Lt Col William C. Decker, 11 Nov 1967; Lt Col Victor R. Hollandsworth, 20 May 1968;

Lt Col James H. Broussard, 27 Oct 1968; Lt Col Edward Hillding, 18 Nov 1968; Lt Col

Homer R. Charlton Jr., 3 Nov 1969; Lt Col Robert L. Reagan, 22 May 1970; Lt Col

Robert K. Simm, 21 Jul 1970; Lt Col Robert L. Reagan, 2 Aug 1970; Lt Col Vernon H.

Sandrock, Oct 1970; Lt Col Edward E. Nowogroski, 6 Jan 1971; Lt Col Donald E.

24



Commanders (cont.). Jonker, 30 Jul 1971; Lt Col Roger

B. Myrhum, 29 Oct 1971; Lt Col Edward M. McHale, 30

Jun-31 Oct 1972. Lt Col Richard W. Griffin, 10 Apr 2009;

Lt Col Stefan Koehl (GAF), 15 Apr 2011; Lt Col Filip

Lindeman (RNLAF), 19 Apr 2013.

Aircraft. B-24, 1942-1944. F-47, 1952-1953; F-86, 1953

-1958. F-105, 1962-1968; F-4, 1968-1972. T-38C, 2009-.

Operations. Replacement training for bombardment

crews, 1942-1943. Absorbed personnel, aircraft and

equipment of several National Guard fighter-interceptor squadrons when they were re-

lieved from active federal service, 1952. Converted to F-86s in 1953 and was operation-

ally ready by Jul 1953. Utilized all major modifications of the F-86, including the "L"

model. Participated in numerous actual and simulated exercises to test alert status and

combat readiness until inactivation in 1958. Activated again in 1962 as an F-105 tactical

fighter squadron, but remained unmanned from Jul 1962 through Jun 1963. Operational

in Feb 1964, temporarily deployed overseas from Nov 1964 to Mar 1965, first to Yokota

AB, Japan, to augment the 41 Air Division, and then to Kadena AB, Okinawa, in support

of the 18 Tactical Fighter Wing. Transferred in Nov 1965 to Thailand, where wing per-

sonnel prepared for combat fighter operations. Remained in action in Southeast Asia

Thailand, from Nov 1965 until inactivated in Oct 1972, flying F-105s and, after 1968, F-

4s. The wing reactivated in Apr 2009 at Sheppard AFB to conduct undergraduate pilot

training in the T-38C for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.


Campaign Streamers. Vietnam: Vietnam Defensive; Vietnam Air; Vietnam Air Offen-

sive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/

Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer/

Fall 1969; Vietnam Winter/Spring 1969-1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest

Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII; Vietnam

Ceasefire.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.

Decorations. Presidential Unit Citations (Vietnam): 9 Nov 1965-8 Apr 1966; 10 Mar-1

25



Decorations (cont.). May 1967. Air Force Outstanding

Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 29-30 Jun 1966; 1

Jul 1966-30 Jun 1967; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1968

-15 Sep 1969; 10 Oct 1970-20 May 1971. Air Force Out-

standing Unit Award: 1 Jul 1956-30 Jun 1957. Republic of

Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 8 Apr 1966-31 Oct

1972.

Emblem: Approved on 13 Apr 2009.

Description: On a disc Azure, a bezant surmounted by a

pomme charged with a bull poised to attack Sable, fimbriated Argent, eyes Gules, nos-

trils flared, snorting fire of the fourth, horned of the third; all within a narrow Yellow

border. Attached below the disc, a Black scroll edged with a narrow Yellow border and

inscribed ―469TH FLYING TRAINING SQ‖ in Yellow letters.

Significance: Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue

represents the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun

and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The bull in his aggressive stance,

prepared to fight represents the aggressive warriors the unit produces to defend the na-

tion.

26

USAF Fact Sheet: T-6A Texan II

Mission: The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seat primary trainer designed to

train Joint Primary Pilot Training, or JPPT, students in basic flying skills common to

U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots.

Features: Produced by Raytheon Aircraft, the T-6A Texan II is a military trainer version

of Raytheon's Beech/Pilatus PC-9 Mk II. Stepped-tandem seating in the single cockpit

places one crewmember in front of the other, with the student and instructor positions

being interchangeable. A pilot may also fly the aircraft alone from the front seat. Pilots

enter the T-6A cockpit through a side-opening, one-piece canopy that has demonstrated

resistance to bird strikes at speeds up to 270 knots. The T-6A has a Pratt & Whitney

Canada PT6A-68 turbo-prop engine that delivers 1,100 horsepower. Because of its ex-

cellent thrust-to-weight ratio, the aircraft can perform an initial climb of 3,100 feet

(944.8 meters) per minute and can reach 18,000 feet (5,486.4 meters) in less than six

minutes. The aircraft is fully aerobatic and features a pressurized cockpit with an anti-G

system, ejection seat and an advanced avionics package with sunlight-readable liquid

crystal displays.

Background: Before being formally named in 1997, the T-6A was identified in a 1989

Department of Defense Trainer Aircraft Master Plan as the aircraft portion of the Joint

Primary Aircraft Training System, or JPATS. The system includes a suite of simulators,

training devices and a training integration management system. On Feb. 5, 1996, Ray-

theon was awarded the JPATS acquisition and support contracts. The first operational T-

6A arrived at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in May 2000. The full rate production

contract awarded in December 2001. The T-6A will be used to train JPPT students,

providing the basic skills necessary to progress to one of four training tracks: the Air

Force bomber-fighter or the Navy strike track, the Air Force airlift-tanker or Navy mari-

time track, the Air Force or Navy turboprop track and the Air Force-Navy helicopter

track. Instructor pilot training in the T-6A began at Randolph AFB in 2000 and is now

conducted at Columbus AFB, Miss., Vance AFB, Okla, and Laughlin AFB, Randolph

AFB, and Sheppard AFB in Texas.

27

USAF Fact Sheet: T-38 Talon

Mission: The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a

variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high

performance and exceptional safety record. Air Education and Training Command is the

primary user of the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training. Air Combat

Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-

ministration also use the T-38 in various roles.

Features: The T-38 has swept wings, a streamlined fuselage and tricycle landing gear

with a steerable nose wheel. Two independent hydraulic systems power the ailerons,

rudder and other flight control surfaces. Critical aircraft components are waist high and

can be easily reached by maintenance crews. The T-38C incorporates a "glass cockpit"

with integrated avionics displays, head-up display and an electronic "no drop bomb"

scoring system. The AT-38B has a gun sight and practice bomb dispenser. The T-38

needs as little as 2,300 feet (695.2 meters) of runway to take off and can climb from sea

level to nearly 30,000 feet (9,068 meters) in one minute. T-38s modified by the propul-

sion modernization program have approximately 19 percent more thrust, reducing take-

off distance by 9 percent. The instructor and student sit in tandem on rocket-powered

ejection seats in a pressurized, air-conditioned cockpit.

Background: Air Education and Training Command uses the T-38C and the AT-38B

(modified T-38A) to prepare pilots for front-line fighter and bomber aircraft such as the

F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer, A-10 Warthog

and F-22 Raptor. The Talon first flew in 1959. More than 1,100 were delivered to the

Air Force between 1961 and 1972 when production ended. As the T-38 fleet has aged,

specific airframe, engine and system components have been modified or replaced. Pacer

Classic is the name given to a sustainment program that integrates essential modifica-

tions, and includes major structural replacements into one process. These upgrades and

modifications, with the Pacer Classic program, should extend the service life of T-38s to

2020. Advanced JSUPT students fly the T-38 in aerobatics, formation, night, instrument

and cross-country navigation training.

80 FTW History Office

May 2015

80th flying training wing history

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